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Chemists' Body AIOCD Opposes Drug Licenses for Farm Societies, Cites Health Risk

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has strongly opposed a government proposal to grant restricted drug licenses to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The organization warns that storing medicines in premises dealing with agro-chemicals risks cross-contamination and improper storage, directly threatening patient safety. It argues that dispensing by non-pharmacists could increase medication errors and exacerbate challenges like Antimicrobial Resistance. AIOCD, representing over 12.4 lakh chemists, has urged the Health Ministry to withdraw the proposal to protect the integrity of the national drug regulatory framework.

Key Points: AIOCD Opposes Drug Licenses for Agricultural Societies

  • Opposes drug licenses for farm societies
  • Warns of cross-contamination & safety risks
  • Cites misuse of antibiotics & AMR threat
  • Demands proposal withdrawal
2 min read

"No compromise on public health": AIOCD strongly opposes proposal to grant drug licenses to PACS

AIOCD strongly opposes granting drug licenses to PACS, warning of public health risks, contamination, and misuse of medicines.

"Medicines are life-saving products. They cannot be treated at par with agricultural chemicals. - JS Shinde & Rajiv Singhal, AIOCD"

New Delhi, March 6

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists has strongly and unequivocally opposed the proposal to grant restricted drug licenses in Forms 20A and 21A to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.

The organisation has termed the proposal a matter of serious concern for public health, patient safety, and the national drug regulatory framework.

"Medicines are life-saving products. They cannot be treated at par with agricultural chemicals. Drug dispensing must strictly remain under the supervision of trained and registered pharmacists. Any dilution would amount to a risky experiment with public health," AIOCD President JS Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal said.

According to AIOCD, Rules 62A and 62B of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 were historically framed only for exceptional circumstances. At present, there is an adequate number of licensed medical stores and registered pharmacists available across urban as well as rural areas of the country. Therefore, large-scale issuance of restricted licenses is neither necessary nor justified.

"PACS institutions primarily deal in fertilisers, pesticides, and agro-chemicals. Storing medicines in such premises poses serious risks of cross-contamination and improper storage conditions. This directly affects patient safety," Shinde and Singhal added.

The organisation also cautioned that dispensing medicines through non-pharmacists could increase misuse of antibiotics, medication errors, and contribute to national challenges such as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

AIOCD has urged the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to reconsider the proposal in the larger public interest and to safeguard the spirit and objectives of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The proposal to grant restricted drug licenses to PACS should be withdrawn immediately. No general advisory should be issued to States/UTs under Rules 62A and 62B for licensing PACS. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras should operate only from duly licensed pharmacy premises under the supervision of registered pharmacists. These are among the key demands of AIOCD.

AIOCD represents more than 12.40 lakh chemists and druggists across the country, who are providing safe and lawful pharmaceutical services even in remote rural areas.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I understand the concern for safety, we must also think about rural access. In my village, the nearest proper pharmacy is 15km away. If a PACS can safely stock basic medicines under strict rules, it could be a lifeline for many. The solution is better regulation, not outright rejection. 🤔
S
Siddharth J
Cross-contamination risk is a very valid point. You can't have Paracetamol tablets stored next to a bag of urea! This proposal seems poorly thought out. Pharmacists study for years for a reason. We cannot compromise on that expertise.
A
Aman W
This looks like another case of trying to fix something that isn't broken. AIOCD says there are enough pharmacies even in rural areas now. Instead of creating new, risky channels, why not strengthen the existing Jan Aushadhi Kendras network with more support? 💊
K
Kavya N
As someone from a medical family, I fully support AIOCD. Antibiotic misuse is already a huge problem in India. Imagine it getting worse if untrained people start dispensing them. Patient safety must come first, always. No compromise.
V
Varun X
There are two sides to this. Yes, safety is paramount. But also, in many remote areas, the local PACS is the most trusted and accessible institution. Maybe a pilot with extreme safeguards in specific underserved districts could be considered? Blanket opposition might not be the only answer.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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